French Names F
By vignette
Updated Sun Apr 02 2023
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female french names
- Agate
Origin:
French, a semiprecious stone, or variation of AgathaDescription:
Though it's French, most Americans would pronounce it as the stone.
- Albane
Description:
Albane is a feminine name of Latin origin, derived from 'albus' meaning 'white' or 'bright.' It's the female form of Alban, which has roots in ancient Rome where it referred to someone from Alba Longa, a city near Rome. Popular primarily in France and other French-speaking regions, Albane carries connotations of purity, clarity, and brightness. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, it has maintained steady popularity in France. The name has a delicate, elegant sound with its soft consonants and balanced syllables. Bearers of this name are often associated with qualities like brightness, intelligence, and a pure spirit.
- Allura
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"to entice, attract"Description:
Sounds like a princess -- or an enticingly evil witch -- in a fairy tale.
- Amandine
Origin:
French, diminutive of AmandaMeaning:
"much-loved"Description:
This fragrant, almond-scented name has hardly been heard in this country, which is a pity--we've loved it since John Malkovich used it for his now grown daughter.
- Ambrette
Origin:
French, word nameDescription:
Ambrette is the name of a French dessert pear, and also a West Indian hibiscus seed.
- Antinea
Origin:
French after the Greek name for the Queen of AtlantisDescription:
In Pierre Benoit's novel, Antinea is a beautiful and charming queen with a hideous secret: She has a cave wall with 120 niches carved into it, one for each of her lovers. Only 53 have been filled; when all 120 have been filled, Antinea will sit atop a throne in the centre of the cave and rest forever.
- Aquitaine
Origin:
French place nameDescription:
If you're looking for a really untouristed place name, Aquitaine could be it. Aquitaine is a region of France that includes both Bordeaux and Biarritz and is famous for such food and drink as its pates and cassoulets, Armagnac brandy and Bordeaux wines.
- Armantine
Origin:
Variation of ArminaMeaning:
"army man"Description:
This Frenchified variation softens and prettifies the harsh original.
- Aurelie
Origin:
French variation of Aurelia, LatinMeaning:
"the golden one"Description:
Aurelie is the delicate French variation of Aurelia, one of the most improbable popular names of recent years. Both versions of the name are lovely, but it might be difficult to insist that Americans pronounce Aurelie the attractive French way rather than like plain old orally.
- Axelle
Origin:
French feminine form of AxelMeaning:
"father of peace"Description:
Putting the emphasis on the "elle" softens a name that seems at once futuristic and medieval.
- Bastienne
Origin:
Variation of Sebastienne, FrenchMeaning:
"person from Sebastia"Description:
Rare French option for girls, but feels familiar thanks to the popularity of Sebastian.
- Bechette
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"little spade"Description:
Pronounced Beshette, this unfamiliar French appellation sounds fresh and feminine.
- Beline
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"goddess"Description:
This French name meaning goddess is a possible Gallic import in the Celine mode.
- Berenicia
Description:
Berenicia is a rare feminine name with ancient roots, believed to be derived from the ancient Macedonian city of Berenice, which was named after Berenice I, queen of Egypt. The name ultimately comes from the Greek "Berenike," combining "phere" (to bring) and "nike" (victory), meaning "she who brings victory." Berenicia represents an elaborated form of this historical name, adding a flowing, romantic quality with its additional syllables. Despite its regal heritage, Berenicia has remained exceptionally uncommon in modern times, making it a distinctive choice. The name carries an air of classical elegance and exotic mystery while maintaining feminine grace, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth and uniqueness.
- Bernelle
Description:
Bernelle is a feminine name that appears to be a decorative elaboration of Bernie or Bernadette, names ultimately derived from Germanic roots meaning 'brave as a bear.' The addition of the feminine '-elle' suffix gives it a French-inspired flair and elegant quality. Bernelle has never been widely used, remaining a rare choice throughout recorded naming history. This scarcity gives it a distinctive charm for those seeking something truly uncommon. The name balances strength (from its Germanic origins) with grace (through its French-sounding ending). Those named Bernelle likely experience having a name that stands out while still being relatively easy to pronounce and understand. The name might appeal to parents looking to honor a relative named Bernard or Bernadette while creating something more distinctly feminine.
- Brielle
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"hunting grounds"Description:
Though it sounds so modern, Brielle is, among other things, a traditional Cajun contraction of Gabrielle, but it has now spread far beyond that community. Brielle is also the name of a historic seaport in the western Netherlands.
- Cachet
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"prestigious, desirable"Description:
Cachet is one of those word names -- Cliché is the most egregious example -- that sounds lovely but seems slightly ridiculous when taken literally.
- Calais
Origin:
French place-nameDescription:
Undiscovered name of picturesque northern French port.
- Cantrelle
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"song"Description:
Vocal name seldom heard, with most elle-ending names these days dropped in favor of the more straightforward Elle and Ella.
- Cecile
Origin:
French feminine form of CecilMeaning:
"blind"Description:
Cecile is a fairly common French saint's name, scattered throughout classic French literature--in Les Liaisons Dangereuses, in Balzac's Cousin Pons, and Zola's Germinal.